M&H introduces tube print technology that could replace labels

M&H Plastics has developed a new print technology offering photo-realistic images printed directly onto tubes enabling it to offer label quality print without the need to label.

The new offering comes after the plastics manufacturer installed new machinery which it says can manufacture and decorate up to a million tubes a week whilst continuing to achieve high standards.

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Life-like image reproduction

The new press also means M&H can print directly onto tubes and reproduce images in a life-like way.

“M&H has a new hybrid press which uses a combination of flexographic and silk screen technology which enables us to produce photographic quality printing directly onto tubes,” Vicki John, M&H marketing manager told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.

Having launched the ‘Miss N’ Next range late last year using the technology, John stated that the ideal use for it, particularly for personal care customers, was if a company wanted to use a high quality, detailed subject which features tonal values and requires a life-like realistic quality.

She also said that it means images and text can be printed directly onto a tube, thus negating the necessity to label a product.

"Normally tube printers use dry offset print which has some limitations. The silk screening and flexographic printing is done in one pass on the machine (ie. in one procedure), and this means it does not have to go through multiple machines,” she continued.

Flexibility an important factor

The tubes themselves are available in any colour, white or transparent plus a further range of special effects, and standard screw caps and snap-on dispensing closures are available to suit all sizes of tubes.

According to the UK-based company, flexibility is also an important factor and it has fine-tuned production resources for mass production as well as adapting to short runs.

M&H says it prides itself on its flexibility and customer service to ensure it supplies the products needed, both on time and on budget.